8 The Carbon Connection: Unraveling the Catenation Property of the Carbon Family

The video explains how carbon atoms bond with each other to form long chains, either linear or cyclic, through a process called catenation. It highlights the strong catenation power of carbon, which decreases down the group from carbon to lead due to increasing atomic size and decreasing electronegativity. Examples like hexane and cyclohexane illustrate this concept, emphasizing the high bond strength of carbon-carbon bonds.

What is the term used to describe the ability of carbon atoms to form long chains by bonding with each other?

• Sublimation

• Isomerization

• Catenation

• Polymerization

Which of the following compounds is an example of carbon atoms linked by carbon-carbon bonds?

• Water

• Ammonia

• Hexane

• Methane

As you move from carbon to lead in the periodic table, what happens to the catenation power?

• It fluctuates

• It decreases

• It remains the same

• It increases

What is one reason for the decrease in catenation power down the group?

• Increase in electronegativity

• Decrease in atomic number

• Decrease in atomic size

• Increase in atomic size

What is the bond strength of a carbon-carbon bond in kilojoules per mole?

• 250 kJ/mol

• 350 kJ/mol

• 300 kJ/mol

• 400 kJ/mol